West Bengal Chief Minister and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari ate traditional fish bhog at Kolkata’s Kalighat Temple during Kaushiki Amavasya, bringing fresh attention to the row over Dhirendra Shastri’s call for Bengalis to avoid non-vegetarian food during Durga Puja.
The BJP said CM Adhikari eating the fish bhog at Kolkata’s Kalighat Temple reflected Bengal’s long-established Shakta traditions and dietary customs.
CM Adhikari visited Kalighat Temple on Kaushiki Amavasya, an important occasion for many Shakta devotees. Video from the visit showed him sitting on the floor and eating temple bhog.
He said the meal included fish head, fried fish and basanti pulao.
Today, the bhog offered at the temple had fish head, fried fish, and basanti pulao. He has no right to decide what the people of Bengal will eat and what they will not eat. Bengalis will eat fish and meat. Swami Vivekananda spoke in favour of Bengalis consuming meat and fish. We have great respect for Bageshwar Baba, but Bengalis need not pay heed to this comment. On Mahashtami, when I worship Maa Durga, I consume sattvik food. During Kartik month also, I consume sattvik food. At the same time, I consume non-vegetarian food such as goat meat offered to Maa Kali. I ate that. At Kalighat, CM @SuvenduWB takes part in Maa Kali’s traditional Fish Bhog — respecting Bengal’s faith, traditions and way of life. Under his leadership, the BJP will always stand firmly for Bengal’s interests, Bengal’s traditions and what is right for Bengal. Joy Ma!”
West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya said, “Bageshwar Baba comes from another ‘dunia’, according to media reports. CM Adhikari said the Bageshwar Baba was entitled to express a personal opinion, and people were equally free to accept or reject it. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said, “I am a Sanatani Hindu, according to media reports. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said CM Adhikari’s participation in the traditional fish bhog showed respect for Bengal’s religious customs. In a post on X, Bhandari said, “Let the controversy end where it should.
